David Copperfield · Chapter
LXIII: A Visitor explained
David Copperfield, now a successful and happily married man with three children, receives a surprise visit from Mr.
What happens
David Copperfield, now a successful and happily married man with three children, receives a surprise visit from Mr. Peggotty, who has traveled from Australia. Mr. Peggotty recounts the fortunes of his family, including Little Em'ly's quiet, charitable life after the tragedy, and Martha's marriage. The visit is a joyful reunion, and Mr. Peggotty shares news of their thriving life in the colony before departing.
Themes in this chapter
Domesticity and the Ideal Home
David's perfect domestic joy with Agnes and their children is contrasted with Mr. Peggotty's description of Em'ly's solitary but virtuous life.
Redemption and Forgiveness
Little Em'ly's life of quiet charity and service represents her redemption after her past, while Mr. Peggotty's unwavering love and forgiveness continue.
Characters to notice
- David Copperfield
Now a successful author, married ten years to Agnes, and father of three children. He warmly welcomes Mr. Peggotty.
- Agnes Wickfield
David's wife, a loving mother, and a gracious hostess who shares in the joy of Mr. Peggotty's visit.
- Mr. Peggotty
An old, hearty, and robust man who has traveled from Australia to see David and Agnes. He shares news of his thriving life and of Little Em'ly.
- Little Em'ly
Described by Mr. Peggotty as a gentle, sorrowful, and charitable woman who devotes herself to helping others in the colony.
- Martha Endell
Married a farm-laborer in the second year in Australia and lives a remote, contented life in the Bush.
- Ham Peggotty
Remembered through the tablet David placed in Yarmouth churchyard; Mr. Peggotty gathers grass and earth from his grave for Em'ly.
Key passages
“I had advanced in fame and fortune, my domestic joy was perfect, I had been married ten happy years.”
David reflects on his successful career and his blissful marriage to Agnes, which has lasted a decade.
Establishes the setting of David's contentment and the passage of time.
“It was Mr. Peggotty. An old man now, but in a ruddy, hearty, strong old age.”
The visitor is revealed to be Mr. Peggotty, who appears healthy and vigorous despite his age.
Highlights the joyful reunion and Mr. Peggotty's enduring vitality.
“We've allus thrived. We've worked as we ought to 't, and maybe we lived a leetle hard at first or so, but we have allus thrived.”
Mr. Peggotty explains that through hard work and perseverance, they have prospered in Australia.
Reflects the theme of reward for honest labor and resilience.
“Cheerful along with me; retired when others is by; fond of going any distance fur to teach a child, or fur to tend a sick person, or fur to do some kindness tow'rds a young girl's wedding... That's Em'ly!”
Mr. Peggotty describes Em'ly as a quiet, compassionate woman who finds purpose in helping others, though she remains withdrawn from social life.
Portrays Em'ly's transformed, redemptive life after her past sorrows.